DCNR is now offering an iPhone App for the State Parks and State Forests. The software is available as both free and paid versions in the Apple App Store. The paid version, which includes additional GPS features, costs $3.99.

Free features include the following: search by activity of interest on-the-go; search by park, forest or region; stay current on park and forest events; receive news, alerts, and location-based weather updates; access park information such as hours of operation; view maps of facilities, trails and campgrounds; learn about state park or forest history; get directions; get contact information; access online reservations; network through Facebook and Twitter; and share photos on Flickr.

If you opt for the paid app, a donation will be given to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. The additional features found in the paid version inlcude: ability to work with content, maps and features offline; GPS mapping options include road, satellite, hybrid and terrain; pre-programmed state park GIS and points of interest will help guide you; a friend-finder feature lets you keep track of companions while on a trail; a built-in compass can help point to your direction; record, save and recall tracks or waypoints; and let your family and friends know your whereabouts with the alert communication feature.

Plans are in the preliminary stages for extending the Loyalsock Trail to Ricketts Glen State Park. From the current eastern terminus of the trails, plans are to extend the trail across Pennsylvania State Game Lands and end at Ricketts Glen State Park. This would connect to premiere Pennsylvania State Parks; Ricketts Glen and World's End. Not only would hikers be able to enjoy the many falls currently found along the Loyalsock Trail near World's End State Park, but they would also be able to enjoy the many falls within the Ricketts Glen State Park. Chance are pretty good that the trail would also pass along some other "hidden" waterfalls located within the State Game Lands. Updates about the Loyalsock Trail extension will be posted as they become available.

A woman from Philadelphia died from injuries sustained during a fall while hiking last Sunday, May 29th. Sixty-six year old Alice Ann Herzon of Jenkintown fell down a slight embankment along Kelly's Run Nature Preserve and struck her head. Alice was a member of the Batona Hiking Club and was hiking with her club and the York Hiking Club during a scheduled hike celebrating Pennsylvania Hiking Week. From everyone at the KeytoneHiker, our deepest sympathies go out to Alice's family, friends, and fellow members of the Batona Hiking Club.

Construction is set to begin May 31, 2011 on the new Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail bridge over the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Somerset. The previous bridge was found to be hazardous to hikers and traffic on the turnpike. The old bridge, which was built in 1970, was removed in January of 2010. The construction of this new bridge should be completed by December.

Read the press release about the new bridge.

The September 11th National Memorial Trail is being established as a National Historic Trail on the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001 and will be a tribute to all those that perished in America's single worse terrorist attack. The establishment of a hiking, biking and driving trail will provide a physical linkage between the three memorials commemorating the tragic events that occurred at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The trail will serve as a symbol of the resiliency and character of the communities in which the victims and their families lived and worked.

Learn more by visiting the 911 National Memorial Trail Website.

ClearWater Conservancy is spending about $700,000 to buy 152 acres of land that’s part of the Galbraith Gap area in Harris Township. The nonprofit plans to turn the property over to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry to be incorporated into the state forest. This will provide greater access to the Rothrock State Forest and will would allow the Tussey Mountain trail complex to be connected to Bald Knob Ridge Trail and Shingletown Gap via trails.

Learn more at the ClearWater Conservancy website.

DCNR is partnering with Gander Mountain to provide first-time campers with needed gear and a reservation for two nights at a participating state park for just $20. There are fourteen state parks participating in the program, including: Black Moshannon, Caledonia, Colonel Denning, Gifford Pinchot, Hickory Run, Keystone, Laurel Hill, Little Pine, Locust Lake, Ohiopyle, Ole Bull, Parker Dam, Pymatuning, and R.B. Winter State Parks. Details concerning this program can be found on the DCNR website.

Learn more at Pennsylvania DCNR website.

Two Pennsylvanians and one Connecticut resident who trekked 780-miles while traversing all 18 major state forest trails have earned recognition from Keystone Trails Association and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their accomplishments. John Greecher, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County; Nathan Sauers, of Canadensis, Monroe County; and William Shaffer, of Groton, Conn., received a certificate, patch and ceremonial wooden walking stick.

Read about the awards at the Keystone Trails Association Website.